KEY FEATURES OF PROPOSED AFL RULE CHANGES
* The AFL emailed a raft of rule changes to clubs on Thursday afternoon, with a deadline of January 19.
* Any agreed changes will go the AFL Commission for final approval in February.
* There are more than 20 proposals, covering the AFL Tribunal guidelines and regulations, plus the AFL rules.
TRIBUNAL
* A tightening of the rough conduct rules for when a player leaves the ground when attempting to smother an opponent's kick or handball. This was prompted by the Brayden Maynard tribunal case during the finals series.
* Amendment to dangerous tackles, taking into account run-downs where "the tackling player significantly increased the force with which the tackled player was driven to ground".
* Changing the structure for player fines.
* Giving the AFL the option of not sending a charge rated as severe straight to the tribunal, if the league is only seeking a minimum penalty or doesn't want the case tested. This follows a dramatic increase in tribunal cases this season because of the dangerous tackles crackdown.
* Increasing the club fees for tribunal hearings and appeals, to deter unnecessary challenges.
* Tightening the striking rule for when a player is trying to fend off an opponent away from the ball.
OTHER AFL RULES
* Clarifying how teams are ranked in the AFLW finals series, to help determine who hosts the grand final.
* Banning coaches from the interchange bench if they have been guilty of repeated breaches of AFL rules there.
* Charged players could be excused from attending their tribunal hearing, if they are injured or have mental health issues.
* Seeking feedback from clubs on when they announced their substitute before games, and how the substitute rule operates.
* Gloves only to be worn during games for medical reasons.
* A ban on coaches and other club staff whistling "or making any other such noises" from the bench to get the attention of players on the ground.
